Food Manager Practice Exam

Which food safety practice can help prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses caused by shigella?

1. Cooking foods at high temperatures

2. Thorough handwashing

3. Storing food at low temperatures

4. Avoiding cross-contamination

The correct answer is: Thorough handwashing

Thorough handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses caused by Shigella because this pathogen is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The bacteria can easily be transferred from contaminated hands to food, surfaces, or other people if proper hand hygiene is not followed. By washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food, the risk of transferring Shigella and other harmful pathogens is significantly reduced. While cooking foods at high temperatures, storing food at low temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination are all important food safety practices, they do not directly address the key transmission route associated with Shigella. Cooking can kill pathogens present in food, but if foods are handled by someone who is infected and has not washed their hands, the risk remains. Similarly, refrigeration slows down bacterial growth, but again, does not eliminate the risk if contaminated food is handled improperly. Avoiding cross-contamination is also essential in a general sense but may not specifically mitigate the immediate risk posed by improper hand hygiene in the context of Shigella transmission.